The Appalachian Ministry Network has named Mr. Michael Armbrister of Marion, VA as the new Executive Coordinator of AMN. Mr. Armbrister will follow the Rev. Dr. Robert Wilkins of Philippi, WV who retires in June.

Mr. Armbrister, a life-long United Methodist, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission in Marion , VA. He is a graduate of Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA with a B.A in 1999 and an M.S. from The University of Tennessee in 2002. He is a Certified Planner and has been an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography at Emory & Henry.

Mr. Armbrister, his wife and family, are members of Marion First UMC, Marion, VA in the Holston Annual Conference.

Rev. Roger Grace, a member of the Executive Committee of AMN served on the Transition Team that interviewed 6 well-qualified candidates for the position. "I believe that Mr. Armbrister, with his background in planning, development and technology is the right person to replace Rev. Wilkins in this position,Ã¢?Â said Rev. Grace. Ã¢??We look forward to working with Michael as he comes to AMN as our Executive Coordinator." Mr. Armbrister began his leadership at AMN in June, 2014.

In other business, AMN approved grants totaling $10,000 for Hunger and Poverty projects within the Appalachian region. Among them were ministries in the Mississippi Conference, East Ohio, Holston Conference, and the West Ohio Conference. Harvest for the Hungry at Ironton First UMC in the Shawnee Valley District received $2,000 to assist in their ministry.

The Appalachian Ministry Network's mission is to partner with annual conferences, districts, local churches and general agencies of the United Methodist Church to develop and support leaders within the United Methodist Church in Appalachia. Support for AMN comes from Annual Conferences that are a part of the region, West Ohio has 17 counties within Appalachia, from United Methodist Women's groups, and from 2 Advance Specials at General Board of Global Ministries. Number 982039-Appalachia Hunger and Poverty works to address the root causes of hunger and poverty in Appalachia and; number 982941Appalachian Regional Ministries which provides opportunities for local church leaders in areas of skill development, community asset identification, and advocacy awareness.